​Pit Stop: Brighton

Brighton Fitness blogger Tess Agnew has lived in the city for nearly eight years, vowing never to leave. And why would she? The city, beachside cliff tops and surrounding countryside are a massive playground for cyclists and runners alike. Here’s where she gets her fuel and fix for the ride

If there’s one thing that Brighton’s good at, it’s coffee, and that’s mostly down to Small Batch, the city’s independent coffee roasting company.

(n+1), which can be found around the back of the train station, is a great place to get your pre-ride coffee fix. You won’t find much room to sit down, but you’ll find great pre-ride coffee (and cake), secure indoor bike storage and cycle hire / repair services from Dan and his very friendly team.

Weekly rideouts are also run from the café all year round, taking in the gorgeous Sussex countryside.

Different gear…RULE5 BIKES253D Ditchling Road, BN1 6JD

With a name inspired by the bible of cycling rules, Velominati, Rule5 is the city’s only stockist of Brighton’s very own cycling brand.

Changing their collections every six months and collaborating with some of the best designers, artists, and cycling/outdoor brands, Brighton’s Morvelo lives by the motto, Ride Everything.

There’s a serious amount of kit porn on morvelo.com (the best way to get hold of it), but if you do need to try anything on beforehand, head to Rule5 Bikes on Ditchling Road.

Get it fixed…CYCLE STORE91 London Road, BN1 4JF

My trusty steed is nearly three years old and I’ve ridden her nearly every single day and for all sorts of riding – to work, around town, on long rides and triathlons. My Giant Avail 3 may not be the most expensive or high spec bike you could own, but my God she’s done the miles.

I get her serviced from where I bought her – Cycle Store on London Road – by this lovely gent called Jendrik. He’s a proper dude and always goes the extra mile to make sure me and my steed can carry on riding.

Refuel…CAFÉ PLENTY3-4 Circus Parade, New England Road, BN1 4GW

For me, comfy sofas, a nice chilled vibe, good food and tunes are all I need to kick off my shoes and make myself at home.

I have a few favourite haunts, but my current top spot to refuel right now is Café Plenty at the newly redeveloped Circus Parade. As well as delicious healthy breakfasts and lunches to refuel with, they’ve got their own micro-bakery pumping out a mighty fine selection of cakes and treats.